PTA TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK IS COMING – MAY 2-8 http://www.pta.org/teacher_appreciation.asp 


NATIONAL PTA CONVENTION – JUNE 10-13 IN MEMPHIS, TN
Join thousands of parents, teachers, students, and leaders who come to national convention each year to enhance their skills, connections, and success! 
· Education—choose from 50+ workshops 
· Exhibits—visit more than 200 exhibits 
· Issues—raise your voice on national business and emerging issues 
· Resources—gather 100s of ideas, handouts, giveaways 
· Connections—interact with 1,000s of other PTA leaders from around the country 
· Memphis—stay and play in the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll

Registration opens March 31. For more information: http://www.pta.org/2042.asp Attending any PTA convention is a valid PTA expenditure if provided in the budget.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Just a reminder that PTA Council is still accepting scholarships applications for the 4 types of scholarships it awards yearly. vv
http://www.ptachc.org/Clocalresources/index.htm#scholarships
On the hcpss.org website, there is a database of over 470 scholarships available at: http://www.ait-inc.com/hcpss/search.cgi?list=ALL 
Plus Council was sent info on another scholarship available with a deadline soon at: http://www.pflagmd.org/Scholarship.html 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Two hundred and fifty students and family members from Talbott Springs Elementary School will be going to the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 5. This year the event is focused on promoting health and wellness with the theme, "Ready, Set, Go!" All of the activities will encourage children to lead healthy and active lives, which is a central part of the First Lady's "Let's Move!" initiative, a national campaign to combat childhood obesity. 

The Talbott Spring's staff recently launched a school-wide effort this year to improve the physical and mental health of students and staff by encouraging physical activity and promoting healthier options.

As you may remember that last fall, Burleigh Manor Middle PTA and students visited the White House to participate in the Healthy Kids Fair hosted by Mrs. Obama. BMMS PTA represented National PTA after being awarded a grant to support healthy lifestyles initiatives.

HCPSS TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
Just a reminder that the HCPSS Pupil Transportation Office is conducting a survey on transportation. 
Here is the link for the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MMJRKG8 

BYLAWS – The following PTAs are due for their tri-annual review in 2010. 
Atholton HS, Bollman Bridge ES, Burleigh Manor MS, Clarksville ES, Clarksville MS, Clemens Crossing, Cradlerock School, Deep Run ES, Forest Ridge ES, Guilford ES, Harper's Choice MS, Hollifield Station ES, Jeffers Hill ES, Laurel Woods ES, Long Reach HS, Manor Woods ES, Oakland Mills HS, Phelps Luck ES, Pointers Run ES, Running Brook ES, Steven's Forest ES, Swansfield ES, Talbott Springs ES, Thunder Hill ES, Veterans ES, Waverly ES

Many PTAs listed above have begun the process but for those who have not, now would be a good time to begin this process. It is best practice to begin this process three months before the due date. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Why must the PTA unit have an annual audit every year?

1. In your PTA bylaws (Article VII, Section 4h)
...have the accounts examined at the close of the fiscal year and upon change of treasurer by an auditor or an auditing committee of not less than three (3) persons who, satisfied that the treasurer’s annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report. An auditor or an auditing committee shall be selected by the board of directors at least thirty (30) days before the new officers assume their duties;

2. The PTA Insurance Policy. 
On page 20 of the BB&T insurance policy loss and control guide: http://www.mdpta.org/documents/LossControlGuideBook-2008Maryland.pdf It is critical that all units follow the Maryland PTA Financial Guidelines. .......... Maryland PTA By-Laws require that all PTA’s submit a copy of the treasurer’s annual report, reviewed by the auditing committee to the Maryland State PTA or their designated representative. 

It is also just good fiduciary practice.

IT’S TIME FOR PTA ELECTIONS
Nomination Quick Tip guide is at: http://www.ptachc.org/Clocalresources/QuickTipsnominatingCommittes.html 

How to hold an Election Quick Tip Guide: http://www.ptachc.org/Clocalresources/HowtoHoldanElection.html 

CALENDAR
Mar. 31           All membership cards/final report due to MD PTA
Apr. 12 (second Monday) PTAC General Meeting 7:30 pm at ARL 
Apr. 15           All PTAs must file its Personal Property Return
April 27          HC DRUGFREE Program 7 pm at Wilde Lake High "HAZE" 
May 3             PTAC General Meeting 7:30 pm at ARL 
June 7            PTAC General Meeting 7:30 pm at ARL 
June 10          Workshop for new officers

 

 

 

 

Thank you for advocating for every child, one voice